Assignment checklist
Print this out and use it as a checklist to make sure you don’t miss anything. If you're writing an essay, you'll need to include an introduction and conclusion. If you're writing a report you'll probably be advised to use headings. Check the asssignment guide to find out the conventions for your particular course.
Prepare
- read the assignment question and guidance thoroughly
- estimate the time you’ll need
- timetable it into your schedule
- identify exactly what you are being asked to do
- check the word limit
- note the marks awarded for each part of the assignment
- look back at the feedback on your last assignment
- note anything useful for this assignment
- collect your resources together
Plan
- jot down your initial ideas
- identify what’s relevant
- produce a list of topics to cover
- organise your topics into an appropriate order
- work out roughly how many words for each topic
- select supporting explanations, evidence or quotations
Draft
- build up your outline content
- use the first sentence of each paragraph to make a main point
- use the rest of the paragraph for explanations and evidence
- produce your draft
Polish
- review what you have written against the assignment question
- remove anything that doesn’t relate to the question
- edit your content so that it is concise and in an appropriate style
- check your spelling and grammar
- make sure you have referenced correctly
- check the word count
Let go
- be realistic about the time you can afford to spend on refining your draft – there’s a balance between taking time to edit and endless tweaking that won’t add marks
- send it off and be prepared to learn from your tutor’s feedback
More advice
Go to the BBC's Writing essays written by the OU's Andy Northedge
For registered students only
Practical advice on Doing Assignments
Student Toolkit – Writing Assignments (also available in hard copy from Regional Centres)
For registered students only
Practical advice on Doing Assignments
Student Toolkit – Writing Assignments (also available in hard copy from Regional Centres)